Cooler Recommendation

[DaveMac]

OK forum members, lets hear what you think about coolers. Want one to stow in a canoe for day trip that won't open if we tip over, won't leak and maybe fits under a seat. Hard-sided or soft-sided? Brands (Polar Bear, Fishpond, Coleman, Igloo, others)? What do you guys use and like?

[cnr]

I don't own one of these but they look really well built.

http://www.yeticoolers.com/

[flytyer57]

I don't own one of these but they look really well built.

http://www.yeticoolers.com/

And they are VERY expensive.

[Ill Trout Bum]

I don't own one of these but they look really well built.

http://www.yeticoolers.com/

Too rich for my blood! I'll stick with my trusty Coleman bungeed tightly in the canoe.

[Gavin]

I got a Fishpond Softside as a gift 3-4 years ago..I like allot for day trips..wont leak in the car (unless you spill water through the zipper). It holds ice pretty well for a softside and the top pocket is nice for stuff you want handy.

http://www.fishpondusa.com/icestorm-cooler.cfm

Otherwise its an old plastic one with cup holders...Bungee strap through the handles to keep the lid closed.

[Flysmallie]

I like this.

But the new ones don't have the old latches that I remember the really old ones having. This one will pop open pretty easily and if you are not careful you will loose all of Wheatenhiemer's Milwaukee's Best.

But it will keep things cold for a long time.

[DaveMac]

Yeah, I had my eye on the Fishpond too, though it does have that elitist connotation that all FP stuff has. The Yeti looks great but it had better pour me the beer, light my campfire, clean my fish and pack out my trash for the price those things cost. I guess they're nice if your trip lasts a week and you need to keep the ice from melting. All I wanted to do was pack a few sandwiches, some drinks for the day and not have to lug something too heavy. Bungeeing the Coleman or Igloo looks like the best low cost option. Thanks for the replies.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I like all the 5 day coolers that will fit and have loop handles on the ends. Putting a strap through the handles to keep the lid closed tightly is the way to go. If you dump the cooler out it won't go far and as a plus it won't fill with water and make your water filled canoe that much heavier. You can also buy closed cell foam, glue it on the top and have another seat, another cool seat.

[eric1978]

Those Yeti's are sweet. If I were rich I'd have two. But I use an old blue Coleman I found on the side of the road, lashed down like Wayne said. Whatever keeps beer cold and fits where you want it is the right cooler for a canoe.

[Zack Hoyt]

I use the Fishponds.......snotty status or not. Best quality softsided cooler I have found.